Betlem Hermitage

Religious | Artà

The Betlem hermitage was built over the ruins of a former Muslim farmstead, Binialgorfa. Between 1302 and 1344 this estate was under the domination of the Devesa (pastureland) of Ferrutx, important hunting grounds for the kings of Mallorca. Once the pastureland ceased to serve its original purpose, Jaume Ferrer purchased Binialgorfa. In 1409, Joan Morei purchased it from the heirs of the Ferrer family. Olive oil production and apiculture were its main activities. Over time, the possession was abandoned. In 1805 this spot, known for years by the telling name of the Binialgorfa desert, was occupied by five hermits from Sant Honorat in Randa and La Trinitat in Valldemossa. They were able to found the hermitage thanks to the donation of two quarterades (and old land measurement on Mallorca) and the remains of the homes built by Jaume Morei Andreu de Sant Martí, the owner of the possession. The first hermits found little more than the remains of an ancient defence tower and the oil mill. But construction soon got underway on the ruins, and the hermits’ cells were built, while the ancient tower was refurbished as a chapel. The sponsors of these projects were Cardinal Despuig and Canon Joan Dameto. The name of Betlem (Bethlehem) comes from a petition from the donor: that the new hermitage be devoted to the mystery of Christ’s birth. Currently, the hermitage measures 60 quarterades (around 426,18 km2), and hermits who are members of the Congregation of Saint Paul and Saint Anthony still live there.